After suffering from Alzheimer's, Joseph Wesley Gilmore Jr., 73, of Wichita KS, exchanged his earthly anguish for an eternal celebration with The Lord on Friday, February 23, 2024 at his home prayerfully surrounded by family.  He was born May 24, 1950 in Dade City, Florida, the son of Joseph and Beverly (Johnson) Gilmore.  Being the oldest of 6 molded him into the generous hardworking man we all profited from.

While working in his family's orange groves, Joe graduated from Pasco County High school in 1968.  Upon graduation he headed to Wingate College for a year where he then moved to Wichita in hopes of being in the band Pilgrim 20.  Learning to play the bass guitar and securing his spot in the band, Joe also attended Wichita State University to continue his education.  He earned his Music Education Degree in December of 1973.  Eagerly, Joe married his college sweetheart Janice (Thomas) Gilmore on February 9, 1973 after meeting her 4 months earlier.  Yes, on a blind date!

Awaiting Joe in eternity are his parents, Joseph and Beverly Gilmore, as well as his brother David Gilmore, Sister Leslie (Gilmore) Lagosky, and Brother William "Bill" Gilmore.  Lovingly left till they can be reunited again are his son, Joseph David and Lindsay Gilmore of Wichita, KS; son Toby Gilmore of Wichita, KS; lifelong friend Janice (Thomas) Gilmore of Wichita, KS; Brothers Sam Gilmore of Vero Beach, FL; and John Gilmore of Fort Pierce FL; as well as his pride and joy, his 6 glorious grandchildren all of Wichita, KS.

Although he rarely spoke of his God given talents, Joe was courageous when it came to hard work and trying new avenues of employment.  During his life he spent 18 years working in electronics at Honeywell and Electromech.  Successfully, he owned several small businesses including a tv repair shop in Wichita KS and two donut shops one in El Dorado and another in Andover KS.  After 10 years of driving a flatbed semi-truck for Keim he finally retired.  When he wasn't working, you would find Joe skillfully sketching, painting, or carving anything he could get his hands on.  Undeniably filled with joy while he was drawing, that delight didn't compare to his favorite past times, reading his bible and enjoying time with family specifically his grandchildren.

Jubilantly, Joe's life will be celebrated, because of our confidence in his relationship with Jesus, at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Olivet Baptist Church of Wichita, KS.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Hope Christian Church, 8918 W. 21st St. N. Ste. 200 #157, Wichita, KS 67205 or text HOPEICT to 833-839-9010.